Belt or strap mount for cellular telephone or portable electronic device

ABSTRACT

The clip-on mount attaches to a strap or belt and includes a hinged first and second clam shell or plate member. Interfacing material on interior surfaces embrace and capture the belt or strap. A plate latch closure locks on the belt/strap. A common cell phone attachment (which may also be on a personal electronic device) is on the exterior. The cell phone or personal electronic device is attached to the attachment. The method includes capturing, by compressive force, the strap or belt between two opposing plates, attaching and detaching the plates together and attaching the cell phone or device to one plate.

The present invention relates to a mounting system for a cellulartelephone wherein the telephone is mounted via a common cell phoneattachment to a clip-on unit removably attachable to a strap or a belt.Further the system permits portable personal electronic devices to besimilarly mounted on a strap or belt. Portable personal electronicdevices include MP3 players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digitalcameras, and audio players with flash memories such as iPODs. A methodof mounting is also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals carry cellular telephones on or about their person. Ifthe phone is located in the person's pocket or purse, often times it isdifficult to hear the cell phone ringing. It would be beneficial if aconvenient system for mounting the cell phone on a belt or a strap, suchas a purse strap or backpack strap, could be designed. This type of beltor strap mount would enable the person to better hear the ringing of thephone.

Cell phone attachment systems are widely available. Pouches or “button”clip-on attachment systems are well known. Several cell phone attachmentsystems are: U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,576 to Godshaw; U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,340to Chung; U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,184 to Hauck; U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,418 toHalleck; U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,348 to Wang; U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,695 toWallace; U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,954 to Dong-Joo; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,292 to Chen.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a clip-on mount fora cellular telephone attachment for a strap or a belt.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a clip-onmount for the strap or belt utilizing two plates or clam shells whichcapture the belt or strap in between the hinged plates or clam shellmembers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a strap orbelt mount which can be used in conjunction with a variety of cell phoneattachment systems, the cell phone being further attached to the strapor belt mount by the prior art cell phone attachment system.

It is an additional object of the present invention to removably mountportable personal electronic devices to be mounted on a strap or belt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The clip-on mount for a cellular telephone attachment operates inconjunction with a strap or a belt and includes a prior art cell phoneattachment, a hinged first and second clam shell member or plate member.These members are hinged together and include interfacing material onthe members' interior surfaces that embrace and capture the belt orstrap running therethrough. A latch or closure system is provided forthe clam shell members or the first and second members such that themount is relatively removably securely attached to the strap or belt.The common cell phone attachment is mounted on one of the members. Thephone is attached to the attachment. The method includes capturing, bycompressive force, the strap or belt between two opposing plates,attaching and detaching the plates together and attaching the cell phoneto at least one of the plates. The system also permits portable personalelectronic devices to be similarly mounted on a strap or belt.

The clip-on mount can also attach a portable personal electronic device,such as an MP3 player, personal digital assistant (PDA), digital camera,and audio player with flash memories such as iPOD to be similarlymounted on a strap or belt. These personal portable electronic devicesinclude a common clip attachment which clip attachment mates with acomplimentary attachment on the body of the clip-on mount discussed indetail herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects and advantages of the present invention can be found inthe detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates the clip-on mount attached to astrap or a belt and one of several different types of cell phoneattachment mechanisms on the clip-on mount;

FIGS. 2 and 3 diagrammatically illustrate the clip-on mount for thestrap or belt in an open position (the members being open) and in apartially closed position, respectively;

FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates one type of latch or clasp orclosure system for the plate or shell members;

FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a different type of closure systemand a different type of cellular telephone attachment (the cell phoneantenna being visible in FIG. 5);

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 diagrammatically illustrate the interfacing surfacesfor another embodiment of the clip-on mount for the strap or belt, apartial, cross-sectional view of the interior surface and compressivematerial on that interfacing surface and the clip-on mount in a closedposition, respectively;

FIGS. 9 and 10 diagrammatically illustrate another embodiment of theclip-on mount and a cross-section of one interfacing surface of themount, respectively; and

FIG. 11 diagrammatically illustrate the interchangeability of the systemto mount cell phone or other portable personal electronic devices on astrap or belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a clip-on mount for a cellulartelephone attachment wherein the clip-on mount removably attaches to astrap or a belt. The present invention also relates to a method ofmounting a common cellular telephone attachment to a strap or belt.

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates clip-on mount 10 removably attachedto belt or strap 11. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are discussed currently herein.Similar numerals designate similar items throughout the drawings.

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates clip-on mount 10 in an open positionwith first member 12 open with respect to second member 14. The clip-onmount shown in FIGS. 2-3 shows clam shell members 12, 14.

All the clip-on mounts 10 in FIGS. 2-10 include a cell phone attachment,one of which is shown as cell phone attachment 16 in FIG. 1. Cell phoneattachment 16 includes a generally U-shaped channel and a button releaseon end 18 of member 12. Member 14 is closed and captures, in conjunctionwith member 12, strap or belt 11. Other cell phone attachment mechanismscan be mounted or formed on surface 20 of member 12. Cell phone 22 ismounted on cell phone attachment system 16 as shown by arrow 24.Examples of other cell phone attachments are listed above in theBackground of the Invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, members 12, 14 are hinged together via hinge 30along side 32. Button 19 is utilized as part of the common cellulartelephone attachment 16 to release cell phone 22 from the cell phoneattachment 16. Other types of release mechanisms, as is known inconjunction with other cellular telephone attachment systems, can beincorporated, attached, mounted or formed on member 12. Members 12, 14have complementary interfacing shapes and inter-fitting edge regions 40,42 and 44, 46. A latch, clasp or closure system 50 is incorporated oncomplementary portions of members 12, 14. In the illustrated embodiment,a clasp 50 is utilized. Clasp 50 is on the opposite edge from hinge side32.

The interior surface of members 12, 14 include, in a preferredembodiment, a compressible material 52, 54. Compressible material andhinge 30 permit the members 12, 14 to securely capture and stay securedto belt or strap 11. Compressible foam or other compressible material52, 54 is compressible for two primary reasons. First, the thickness ofthe belt or strap can vary. The compressible material generally moldsaround the belt or strap. Further, the utilization of compressiblematerial 52, 54 enables a very tight grip on the belt or strap andprovides a spring fit of member 12 and member 14 about belt or strap 11.In a preferred embodiment, the compressible material is compressiblefoam.

Although the shape and thickness of members 12, 14 can be varied,essentially members 12, 14 define two opposing plates which are hingedtogether. In operation, the clip-on mount 10 is opened as shown in FIG.12 due to the release of the latch, clasp or other closure system 50.When open, the belt or strap 11 is passed through the open plates 12, 14and then the plates are closed and the belt or strap is captured bycompressive force between opposing plates 12, 14. Closure system 50locks the plates together. The cell phone 22 is then attached by thecommon cellular telephone attachment 16 (or other common cellulartelephone attachments, some of which are identified in the Background ofthe Invention) to the clip-on mount 10.

FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates a latch or a clasp forming closuresystem 50. Latch 60 includes an operator tab or interface 62, a lip 64which coacts with a ledge 66. Ledge 66 is formed on side 68 of member14. Operator interface 62 and lip 64 are formed on side 60 of member 12.Other closure systems may be utilized in conjunction with the presentinvention. Latches, clasps, a small strap extending about members 12,14, a button system or a snap system or a VELCRO or cloth hook and loopsystem may operate to secure members 12, 14 and capture belt or strap 11between internal compressible surfaces 52, 54. Compressive closuresother than VELCRO work best.

FIG. 5 shows a cellular telephone attachment system and a clip-on mount10. Clip-on mount 10 includes a closure system including an extendingtab 112 which coacts with a channel, cut-out or latch aperture inprotruding member 114. Compressible surface 52 is mounted on member 12.Extending tab 114 is formed on member 14. Member 14 also includesinterfacing compressible material 54.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 diagrammatically illustrate another embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, interfacing surface material 52includes a raised land 130. Also, the interfacing material 52 is mountedon member 12. Member 12 may also have a raised land 131. With respect toplate 14, the interfacing material, preferably compressible foam, isdivided into interface material segments 54 a and 54 b. Compressiblefoam segments 54 a-54 b are spaced apart and form a valley 129 thatgenerally conforms and complements opposing land 130. In addition,compressible material 52 defines valleys 132, 134 on either side ofraised land 130. Just as raised land 130 fits into complementary valley129, compressible foam portions 54 a, 54 b complement valleys 132, 134.When a belt or strap (11 in FIG. 1) passes through and is captured bymembers 12, 14, a tortuous pathway is provided based upon the raisedland 130 and valley 129 and the raised interfacing materials 54 a, 54 bdisposed in complementary valleys 132, 134.

FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates that clip-on mount 10 can beattached to any available cellular telephone attachment becauseextending platform 210 and 212 (FIG. 6) may include mounting holes, oneof which is mounting hole 220, to attach the clip-on mount 10 to thecommon cellular telephone attachment.

FIGS. 9 and 10 diagrammatically illustrate another embodiment whereininterface material 130 a is mounted on interior surface 12 a of member12. Particularly, interface material 130 a is mounted between upwardlyprotruding lips 13, 15 extending above interior surface 12 a of member12. Valleys 132, 134 are formed immediately above surface 12 a and coactwith interface material 54 a, 54 b mounted to opposing interior surface14 a of member 14.

FIG. 11 diagrammatically illustrate the interchangeability of the systemto mount cell phone or other portable personal electronic devices on astrap or belt. As used herein, the term “portable personal electronicdevice” includes any small, moderately light, electronic portable devicecarried by a person such as an MP3 player, personal digital assistant(PDA, Blackberry, etc.), digital camera, and other audio players withcomputer chip memories such as iPODs. the portable electronic device 310has, attached thereto, a common cell phone attachment 314 with a button312 or other complimentary mechanism that cooperates with cell phoneattachment 16. The user can select to attach cell phone 22 or personalelectronic device 310 to the strap or belt 11 via clip-on mount 10. Thisis shown by arrows 24 and 316.

The claims appended hereto are meant to cover modifications and changeswithin the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example,although a hinge 30 is shown as a pin in a pair of cylinders, the hingemay be any flexible material that permits member 12 to rotate withrespect to member 14 to enable strap or belt 11 to be captured betweeninterfacing material 52, 54. An expansive hinge permitting lateralmovement of the plates away from each other may be useful. Further,although a single raised land is shown extending above interior surface12 a of member 12, multiple raised lands can be provided and used inconjunction with multiple complementary valleys in opposing member 14.

1. A clip-on mount for cellular telephone attachment to a strap or abelt comprising: a cellular telephone attachment; a hinged first andsecond clam shell member having compressible material on opposinginterior sides of said clam shell members, said cellular telephoneattachment mounted to one of said clam shell members; and a latch toclose said clam shell members together while said strap or belt isinterposed between said clam shell members.
 2. A clip-on mount asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said latch for said clam shell members isdisposed opposite said hinge of said clam shell members.
 3. A clip-onmount as claimed in claim 1 wherein said compressible material iscompressible foam.
 4. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 1 whereincorresponding compressible material on the respective interiors of saidclam shell members have flat interfacing surfaces.
 5. A clip-on mount asclaimed in claim 1 wherein corresponding compressible material on therespective interiors of said clam shell members have shaped interfacingsurfaces wherein one interfacing surface includes one or more raisedlands and the other of said interfacing surfaces includes one or morecorresponding valleys complementary to said one or more raised lands. 6.A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 2 wherein said compressible materialis compressible foam.
 7. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 6 whereincorresponding compressible material on the respective interiors of saidclam shell members have flat interfacing surfaces.
 8. A clip-on mount asclaimed in claim 6 wherein corresponding compressible material on therespective interiors of said clam shell members have shaped interfacingsurfaces wherein one interfacing surface includes one or more raisedlands and the other of said interfacing surfaces includes one or morecorresponding valleys complementary to said one or more raised lands. 9.A clip-on mount for cellular telephone attachment to a strap or a beltcomprising: a cellular telephone attachment; a first member rotatablycoupled to a second member, said first and second members havinginterior and exterior surfaces, said first and second members havinginterfacing material on opposing interior surfaces, said interfacingmaterial coacting with said strap or belt adapted to pass therebetween,said cellular telephone attachment mounted to one of said exteriorsurfaces of one of said first or second members; and a closure system toclose said first and second members together.
 10. A clip-on mount asclaimed in claim 9 wherein said first and second members mate togetherabout said strap or belt.
 11. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 9wherein said interfacing material is compressible.
 12. A clip-on mountas claimed in claim 9 wherein said interfacing material is compressiblefoam.
 13. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 9 wherein correspondinginterfacing material on the respective interior surfaces of said firstand second members are flat.
 14. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 9wherein corresponding interfacing material on the respective interiorsurfaces of said first and second members have complementary shapedsurfaces.
 15. A method of mounting a cellular telephone attachment to astrap or belt comprising: proving two opposing plates hinged together;capturing, by compressive force, said strap or belt between said twoopposing plates; attaching and detaching said plates together andopening and closing said plates by hinged movement about said strap orbelt; and attaching said cellular telephone to at least one of saidplates.
 16. A method as claimed in claim 15 including latching saidplates together and locking said plated about said strap or belt.
 17. Amethod as claimed in claim 15 including capturing said strap or beltwith a tortuous path.
 18. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein thestep of capturing includes resiliently capturing said strap or beltbetween said plates.
 19. A clip-on mount permitting a portable personalelectronic device to be removably attachable to a strap or a belt via atwo piece cellular telephone attachment, said two piece cellulartelephone attachment having a first and a second complementaryattachment mechanism, said first complementary attachment mounted onsaid personal electronic device, said clip-on mount comprising: a hingedfirst and second clam shell member having compressible material onopposing interior sides of said clam shell members, said secondcomplementary attachment mounted to one of said clam shell members; anda latch to close said clam shell members together while said strap orbelt is interposed between said clam shell members.
 20. A clip-on mountas claimed in claim 19 wherein said latch for said clam shell members isdisposed opposite said hinge of said clam shell members.
 21. A clip-onmount as claimed in claim 19 wherein said compressible material iscompressible foam.
 22. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 19 whereincorresponding compressible material on the respective interiors of saidclam shell members have flat interfacing surfaces.
 23. A clip-on mountas claimed in claim 19 wherein corresponding compressible material onthe respective interiors of said clam shell members have shapedinterfacing surfaces wherein one interfacing surface includes one ormore raised lands and the other of said interfacing surfaces includesone or more corresponding valleys complementary to said one or moreraised lands.
 24. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 20 wherein saidcompressible material is compressible foam.
 25. A clip-on mount asclaimed in claim 24 wherein corresponding compressible material on therespective interiors of said clam shell members have flat interfacingsurfaces.
 26. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 24 whereincorresponding compressible material on the respective interiors of saidclam shell members have shaped interfacing surfaces wherein oneinterfacing surface includes one or more raised lands and the other ofsaid interfacing surfaces includes one or more corresponding valleyscomplementary to said one or more raised lands.
 27. A clip-on mountpermitting a portable personal electronic device to be removablyattachable to a strap or a belt via a two piece cellular telephoneattachment, said two piece cellular telephone attachment having a firstand a second complementary attachment mechanism, said firstcomplementary attachment mounted on said personal electronic device,said clip-on mount comprising: a first member rotatably coupled to asecond member, said first and second members having interior andexterior surfaces, said first and second members having interfacingmaterial on opposing interior surfaces, said interfacing materialcoacting with said strap or belt adapted to pass therebetween, saidsecond complementary attachment mounted to one of said exterior surfacesof one of said first or second members; and a closure system to closesaid first and second members together.
 28. A clip-on mount as claimedin claim 27 wherein said first and second members mate together aboutsaid strap or belt.
 29. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 27 whereinsaid interfacing material is compressible.
 30. A clip-on mount asclaimed in claim 27 wherein said interfacing material is compressiblefoam.
 31. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 27 wherein correspondinginterfacing material on the respective interior surfaces of said firstand second members are flat.
 32. A clip-on mount as claimed in claim 27wherein corresponding interfacing material on the respective interiorsurfaces of said first and second members have complementary shapedsurfaces.